As a producer, there are times when you search through endless stacks of vinyl or folders of midi instruments and still get stuck without that one sound your beat needs most. However, eclectic Cali producer Malek skips that issue altogether in his latest video, by making a beat with only wood pencils.

Sure, there’s a computer and studio mic involved, but the creative foresight on display by this instrumental enigma is quite apparent. Plus, despite being made merely from Ticonderoga knock-offs, the end product is just as good anything made by most normal means of production – proving it’s not about the sounds, but the mind maneuvering the melody.

That being said, producers should remember Malek’s magic next time they’re stuck from being stubborn about finding that ideal sound.

Hate software programs. You hear the effects from the jump? Record it and compose it/arrange it without all that – just a sequencer – I would have stood up and applauded. Started out with hardware. Moved to Cubase because that is what the label’s studio booking used (we are talking EARLY Cubase, yo)… tried EVERY music software program there is… and even though you can cop software for $400 that has everything that would cost you 10k-15k in hardware… I choose 15k. This generation has grown up on software. Nothing like the real thing man.

I stopped the video before I saw him utilizing hardware. Shame on me. I admit it.

“Plus, despite being made merely from Ticonderoga knock-offs, the end product is just as good anything made by most normal means of production – proving it’s not about the sounds, but the mind maneuvering the melody.”